R-pod Owners Forum : Dometic RM8501 Replacement? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Dometic RM8501 Replacement? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 18:26:51 +0000 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:09:21 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=16315 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Dometic RM8501 Replacement? : I replaced our Dometic RM8501... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315&PID=154987#154987 Author: Pod People
Subject: 16315
Posted: 13 Oct 2025 at 11:09am

I replaced our Dometic RM8501 with a Norcold unit.  It involved permanently removing the microwave and minor cabinet rebuild, gas line relocation and minor electrical changes. I resulted in a larger refrigerator and freezer.  It is an AC or propane unit-no DC. It has worked well for almost 2 years and we love it-would never go back to Dometic.
Here is a post that I wrote bout the changes.
Feel free to privately email me if you want more info. I do have some pictures also.


RPod Dometic Refrigerator replacement .docx
Travel often and safe
Vann
]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:09:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315&PID=154987#154987 Dometic RM8501 Replacement? : I feel your pain. Fortunately... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315&PID=154986#154986 Author: jato
Subject: 16315
Posted: 12 Oct 2025 at 3:31pm

I feel your pain.  Fortunately when my first RM8501 died back in 2020, I was able to purchase the exact replacement from Forest River for $ 1150 which included shipping.  The original was 10 years old, which FR said was the average lifespan of these units.  So here I sit with another RM8501 which is now 5 years old, maybe only 5 years left so even at this point there is the though of what to do when the 'inevitable' happens.  So far this is one unit that looks promising that was found on eBay. Type in "Smad, 3 way absorption 1.4 cubic foot refrigerator."  It is a 110v/12v gas fridge that comes with a 1 year warranty, price is $399 which includes shipping.  I do not know anyone personally who has purchased this, but it does seem like a viable option, even the dimension specs are very close to the Dometic, so retrofitting would be minor.  A larger unit with freezer (3.5 cubic ft.) runs $ 1099, built by the same company. 

Edited by jato - 12 Oct 2025 at 3:36pm]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:31:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315&PID=154986#154986 Dometic RM8501 Replacement? : Hey y'all! First post hereI've... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315&PID=154985#154985 Author: travelingmercies
Subject: 16315
Posted: 12 Oct 2025 at 11:01am

Hey y'all! First post here Smile

I've got a second hand 2010 RP175, and my three-way refrigerator doesn’t run on gas. At this point, my father and I think the issue might be a $300 replacement part, but there's no way to know for sure so at this point I’m thinking I may as well just buy a new fridge.

Problem is, finding a 1:1 replacement for the Dometic RM8501 is turning out to be tricky. Each potential replacement I've come across has been discontinued.

I need a three way refrigerator for boondocking—so a ac/dc only fridge is not an option.

I've combed the internet (here and here) and have had little success.

Has anyone here found a good replacement for the Dometic RM8501?


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